Tuesday, February 22, 2011

$10 DIY Headboard

I've made a headboard for our bed before when we were living in San Francisco, but when it was time to move, our Cal King size DIY headboard was just too monstrous to move cross-country.

I wanted to do something that would have a lot of impact for not a lot of cash, so I got a bit creative. I had some sturdy poster board from the dollar store lying around, as well as some extra trim, batting and burlap. So I taped my poster board together:

(note- I would not use electrical tape next time since it shows through the thin burlap, just a little)

Then traced my design and cut it out with a boxcutter:

And used the cut out portion as a template for the other side, so that they were even:

Then using spray adhesive. I patched together some batting scraps I had left over from previous projects:

This is where it starts to look a little like Frankenstein.

I then laid the poster board on top of the burlap and upholstered it using a regular staple gun. I folded the burlap back on itself before stapling so it had a little something to hold on to.

Then, I secured the back together even more using some twine, hot glue and staples to create a zig zag pattern that secured all the boards together even more.

Now, to hang it- I tried using picture hangers on some parts of the twine... not good.

Soooo I nailed it to the wall. Haha. Well, its about as much damage as a picture hanger, and it stays flush!

Here's the cost breakdown:

Poster board $1 ea x 3 = $3

Burlap $2/yd x 2.5 = $5

Trim $1/yd x 2 = $2

= $10!

Not bad! For less than a cocktail we gave our bedroom a big facelift!

Also, want to know a secret? That trim isn't glued on- nope! I just pinned it on with straight pins. So if I want to throw out the headboard when we move, or use the trim for another project, it just comes straight off!

This is a great idea for renters, who don't want to deal with bolting a huge piece of plywood to the wall. It's light enough that a nail on each side holds her up, and cheap enough that if you don't want to carry it on to your next place, your guilt factor for just throwing it out is pretty low.

Margaret,Just found your blog through Tumblr and we are in love! We love this project in particular, we actually just had to show our readers how cool it was! http://yaydiy.com/2011/02/yes-please-a-10-diy-headboard/

Looks like we are into much of the same stuff - crafting and food - so can't wait to read you from this day forward!

This is fab! I never would have guessed that was poster board. Love it! Just found your lovely blog through WUW. I'm your newest follower and would be delighted to have you follow me back!Have a wonderful day,Tammy @www.beatricebanks.blogspot.com

I very rarely stand straight up beside my desk and applaud- but baby I am doin that very thing right now.. Can ya here it?? the applause is thundering in the room... You WIN the creativity award and I am gonna give this a try in my spare bedroom.. when I do I plan to link over here so you can get the credit you so richly deserve...

About Me

I am a compulsive rummager. I thrift, dig, stare at and re purpose pieces to give them new life and create a style that's 100% mine. Who knows what kind of stuff I'm up to, but I hope you like it.
I can be found at salvage yards, goodwill and Bloomies. So...figure that one out, if you can.
Thanks for stopping by and Stay classy!